Astreal is a Singaporean post-rock and shoegaze band formed in 1992, renowned for their visceral, ethereal soundscapes and emotionally charged music. The band blends atmospheric guitar textures, expansive instrumental layers, blending harmonies and discordant notes, and haunting vocals to create a sense of otherworldliness with a dark, raw, introspective edge. Known for their blistering performances, Astreal delivers a powerful wall of sound that immerses audiences in a sonic experience both intense and transcendent. Over the years, the band has carved out a distinct presence in the Southeast Asian alternative music scene, earning critical acclaim and a devoted, passionate following.
Collaboration with Neonpulse and Lion City Rock Interview with Astreal
Shoegaze wasn’t mainstream in Singapore—how did Astreal find its audience?
Muhd: We didn’t even know the term or even thought we were shoegaze! It was really a mixture of the bands we liked then, which ranged from indie, shoegaze, metal, industrial and dance. We played a few shows; met like-minded people who liked the same kinds of music; started seeing them at shows; and became friends with most of them.
Ginette: Though it wasn’t mainstream–like much of the music from the underground music scene then–participants of the scene always seemed to be interested in Shoegaze. Many of my friends who were into metal and grunge were fans of the genre as well. I guess with its dense wall of sound I can see how it is easily appreciated by fans of metal and grunge.
Did Big O’s coverage help introduce more people to your sound?
Muhd: Yes definitely! Our track was “Stay Awake”, which also went on to be played by BBC John Peel. It was such an honor!
What was the indie music climate like when Astreal was emerging?
Muhd: It was exciting. We came to know of and became friends with some of these bands. Some became our regular hang-out kakis. Bands like Force Vomit, The Pagans, Livonia… It was a very mixed scene and the punk/hardcore crowd was very vocal. They sure didn’t mince their words if they didn’t like you! We were booed at one gig; had a bottle thrown at us at another. But it was fine, and we just played on. It was dangerous and exciting.
Ginette: I joined Astreal only much later in 1997 and I was part of PsychoSonique back then but I was already hanging out with Muhammad and William at places like MTV Bar at Zouk. It was a really exciting time as we were all growing up together, and finding ourselves and our voices. I think that feeling that anything was possible was very present in the air. The kids were doing many things for themselves, organising gigs, making merch, writing zines and trading ideas. Besides hanging out with the indieheads, I hung out with a lot of the punks and skinheads at Forum as well and sometimes we would make the pit stop at Plaza Singapura to chill with the grunge and metal kids and then walk down to Peninsula to check out merch or trade hellos with the skaters.
What was the defining moment for Astreal?
Muhd: It’s got to be the time when we decided we should go record our own music at TNT Studios. Ah Boy. That really opened the door for us.
Ginette: For me it was when we were invited to play in KL and Bangkok. Making connections with our compatriots in those scenes and finding eager ears for our music was amazing.
How do you see the shoegaze revival happening in today’s music scene?
Muhd: It was a nice surprise. The crowd and the new bands are great. And there really seems to be a most authentic energy about it.
Ginette: The new bands have such a mastery to their craft, I am in awe.
Do you think modern Singapore bands are embracing dreamy, atmospheric sounds?
Muhd: Yes actually. I think shoegaze is easy to get into, and has a certain degree of depth, that can sustain over time.
What does this performance mean for Astreal?
Muhd: It’s really like a reunion of old friends over the years. While making new ones at the same time.
Ginette: It’s us paying tribute to the vision and the intrepidity that the Cheah brothers and Stephen Tan had when establishing and running the magazine.
If Big O still existed, how do you think it would cover Singapore’s current indie scene?
Muhd: I think the medium might change but the spirit stays the same. They’ll always be non-confirming and edgy.
Any new projects or plans for Astreal’s future?
Muhd: Not really. We’re not very ambitious. If a good gig or a chance to record comes along, then yes.
Ginette: We might write new music, but who knows? We’re the world’s laziest band!
A message to fans who have drifted through your dreamy soundscapes?
Muhd: Stay Awake for me.